(DAYTON, Ohio) - Top lawmakers declared Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon a terrorist act and a local terrorism expert fears they are right.

"My immediate reaction is this is something similar to Oklahoma City and the Olympics in Atlanta," said professor Mark Ensalaco.

The University of Dayton terrorism expert went on to say in a release to WDNT 2 NEWS,

"Because it's tax day and a holiday in Boston honoring revolutionaries who fought for America freedom, and many people from foreign nations were in attendance, I worry a right-wing extremist used a highly visible event such as the Boston Marathon to make a highly visible statement. It would be tragic if some mad man took a peaceful movement such as the tea party and acted in this way."

Al-Qaida remains a possibility, he said, but this attack doesn't follow al-Qaida's blueprint.

"Al-Qaida does suicide bombings. They run into large crowds, such as one that would have been at the start line and blow themselves up," said Ensalaco.

Much like the President, Ensalaco stresses that it is much too early to confirm the purpose behind the bombings. He says it needs more investigation.

President Barack Obama says those responsible will be punished, but he cautioned that the nation should not jump to conclusions.